Manizales

[Craig]

[This message has been edited by Craig]

Does any one know the best way to travel from Cali to Manizales? Plane, bus, or  car? Any direct flights? Is the trip safe by bus or car? Thanks Craig

[elcolombiano]

... in response to Manizales, posted by Craig on Feb 5, 2005

I was in Cali and Manizales in December and Jan. Once I went by car and once by bus. The roads have improved and there is military police everywhere. You get stopped about every 1/2 hour or so. Both bus and car. We felt sorry for the soldiers and would give them some food or a few thousand pesos. The tolls add up, its about 6,000 pesos every hour. The trip takes at least 4 hours. Don't travel at night.

[cancunhound]

... in response to Re: Manizales, posted by elcolombiano on Feb 5, 2005

The trick is in the timing - leave early in the morning.  I've made it via car in just over 3 hours, and that's from the south of Cali (but hauling ass) and not making many pitstops.  That's also considering that I made that trip with the help of some locals that new the roads - driving it solo would have taken substantially longer.  You also may need a little luck as often there are road closures due to mud/rock slides, and you need to reroute - but the roads are in great shape otherwise.  Those piajes (tolls) do add up.  The fancier the car the more hastle with the road blocks - I always carry gift packs of cigs to hand out to the cops/army - never any hastles.  The travel north from Cali traverses very safe areas of Colombia which is buffered from guerrilla activity (knock on wood).  It's a very scenic drive.

[Brandon2253]

... in response to Manizales, posted by Craig on Feb 5, 2005

From Cali I dont think a car would be such a great idea.  Out of curiosity, when will you be in Manizales, Im going to be there mid to late march.

[Craig]

... in response to Re: Manizales, posted by Brandon2253 on Feb 5, 2005

I plan on going the same time atound the week of the 15th. I plan on going to Cali I need to get my check up for some surgery I had in Cali last year. Contact me at Craignypd at hotmail dot com.